Arsenal’s Manuel Neuer interest confirmed by Jens Lehmann

Jens Lehmann has admitted Arsenal were tracking Schalke’s wonder keeper
Manuel Neuer as early as 2004.

Schalke’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will once again attempt to keep Manchester United out (Getty)

The in demand shot-stopper received widespread acclaim after his heroics in the first-leg defeat against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final, but Lehmann reveals it was no surprise to Gunners chiefs.

‘I saw an under-19 game and he was great,’ said the veteran keeper.

‘At the time I also had meetings with our chief scout once a week and he told me he had spotted a really good goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer.

‘My goalkeeping coach had him watched and there was even talk about Arsenal trying to sign him.’

The 25-year-old has confirmed he will leave Schalke at the end of the season, and although Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger still hold an interest, his fate almost certainly lies with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich after the German number one ruled out a move to England.

‘United scouts have come to Germany to watch me in the past and I’m absolutely flattered, but a move to England was not an option for me at this stage,’ said Neuer.

‘At this moment, I cannot say for sure where I will be next season because I leave that to other people, but I don’t expect it will be in England even though I respect the football and culture of that great football country.’